Healing with frankincense.
Natural boswellic acids from the frankincense plant are currently being discussed as potential bioactives against certain types of cancer. IPB scientists have now joined an international research team to summarize the recent findings in this field. In their review article, the experts focus primarily on the importance of boswellic acids in developing future treatment strategies for cancer. In addition, the scientists discuss the mode of action of various semisynthetic boswellic acid derivatives and their underlying structural properties. According to the experts, numerous semisynthetic boswellic acids exhibit excellent cytotoxic activities and can also be coupled with other anticancer agents, synergistically enhancing their effects. To exploit the potential of semisynthetic boswellic acids as powerful anticancer agents, future research should focus on the production of their most active derivatives, the scientists conclude. These include compounds with cyanoenone moieties in ring A, as well as endoperoxides and C24 amide analogs.